2017 national under 18s division 1 championships Allies squad named

REWARDED: Launceston's Jake Hinds was one of six Mariners named in the Allies squad for the under-18s division one championships next month. Picture: Paul Scambler

HALF a dozen of Tasmania’s best young footballers have been named in the Allies Squad for next month’s national under 18s division 1 championships.

Launceston duo Jake Hinds and Chayce Jones, North Launceston’s Tarryn Thomas, Tigers’ Hugh Dixon, Burnie’s Thomas Mundy and Hobart City’s Nicholas Hutchinson were all included after strong performances for the Tassie Mariners during the academy series.

However, the news is bittersweet for Jones, who suffered a horrific ankle injury playing for the Blues in Hobart on the weekend that has ruled him out for the season.

Mariners coach Lance Spaulding said the boys’ selection was great reward for their hard work.

“Chayce’s injury is a terrible thing to happen to a young fella, he’s a fantastic kid but the way he carries himself he will dot the I’s and cross the T’s and will be up and about quick smart," Spaulding said.

“There were a couple very unlucky to miss but these boys have showed consistency, form and that they’re competitors.

“Obviously the level, the speed and expectation is going to go up but they have just got to do what they do well and play their game – I’m sure they will do well.”